If the thoughtful management of Mother Earth’s resources is close to your heart, or if you simply love the idea of making money from waste, then doing so through recycling is the perfect model that marries environmental care and money-making. Note counter, recycling can be lucrative in a variety of manners.
Beginning with the most common means, collecting bottles and cans can be an easy start in your recycling venture. Many states offer a deposit for aluminium cans and glass or plastic bottles, typically ranging from 5 to 10 cents per item. Though it may seem a small sum, with a consistent collection strategy, the numbers can quickly add up. About 20 cans will give you $1, so if you could collect 1,000 cans every week, that would amount to an extra $50.
Besides bottles and cans, selling scrap metal is another great way to earn from waste. This involves collecting items made out of metals such as copper and aluminium. Common items include old electronics, car parts, and even copper wire. The prices of scrap metal can vary quite greatly, so checking local scrap yards for current pricing would serve you well.
With the fast pace of technology and its ever-increasing consumption, old electronics often end up in dumpsites much to the detriment of the environment. But little do consumers know, they can actually recycle old electronics for money. Broken or outdated cell phones, laptops, video game consoles, and others, contain precious metals and other materials that companies are willing to pay for. Websites like Gazelle, BuyBackWorld, and Decluttr are popular platforms to sell used electronics.
Modern trends towards natural, organic farming and gardening have made compost highly sought after. With composting, you can turn kitchen waste like peelings and coffee grounds, along with yard waste into nutrient-rich soil. Once your compost heap is ready, sell bags of it to local gardeners or farmers.
Paper is one of the most common waste items and can be profitable if you know where to look. Schools, businesses, and even individuals usually generate a lot of paper waste. Contact your local recycling center to see if they pay for paper.
Fun fact: The US Environmental Protection Agency reports that recycling one ton of paper would save 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water.
As these strategies show, be it through the individual recycling of bottles, cans, scrap metal, or electronics, or the selling of compost and paper, you can both help the environment and make money recycling. Start with the simplest option available, and as you learn more and get better, you can certainly expand to other areas. A note counter, always remember to do your research and confirm the recycling rules and regulations of your locality.
With a little effort, not only can you be rewarded financially, you’ll also be playing a significant part in conserving our planet.